The Niles Vikings football program’s playoff chances came to an end hit Friday night when the Vikings dropped a 42-7 decision against archrival Lakeshore Lancers.

In a game that could’ve stamped their ticket to the playoffs, the Vikings (5-4) made blunder after blunder and wound up turning the ball over seven times before their evening had come to a close.

“It’s hard to win if you turn the ball over once or twice. It’s nearly impossible when you do it three or four times. We definitely weren’t doing ourselves any favors,” Niles coach Antwon Jones said.

Lakeshore (7-2) was more than able to capitalize on the opportunities it was given, as the Lancers were able to marshal Niles’ mistakes into the tune of 35 points on the scoreboard.

Niles’ offense, for its part, was feast or famine (although more so famine), for much of the night. The Vikings’ lone score came on an 80-yard scoot by Joe Avance in the first quarter

Despite the lopsided outcome, Jones was quick to give credit to his team for their efforts both on the night and over the course of the season.

“You know, it’s been a long time since Niles has had something it can really be proud of on the field,” he said. “These kids worked their tails off this year and they did it in the face of a lot of adversity. It would’ve been easy for them to say ‘we’re Niles, we’re supposed to lose,’ and just lay down; but they never did.

“We’re learning how to win and these young men are starting to take that process very seriously, the program is going in the right direction.”

 

Lakeshore      14       14        7          7 – 42

Niles                  7          0        0          0 – 7

L – Sam Effa 3 run (Chayse Magrane kick)

L – Magrane 14 run (Magrane kick)

N – Joe Avance 80 run (Josh Dayhuff kick)

L – Effa 4 run (Magrane kick)

L – Magrane 20 run (Magrane kick).

L – Magrane 3 run (Magrane kick)

L – Andrew Branch 19 pass from Magrane (Magrane kick)